Preparation key to Wolves’ Confed Cup glory-Ibenegbu

Warri Wolves attacking midfielder Ikechukwu Ibenegbu has said adequate preparation is key to the side’s performance in the CAF Confederation Cup competition.

The Seasiders will confront Burkinabe side Racing Club de Bob-Dioulasso (RCB) on the road in the preliminary round of Africa’s second tier club football showpiece.

Ibenegbu said the fact that none of Nigerian representatives were deemed worthy for exemption at the preliminary round of the continent football showdown means the campaigners must work extremely hard to reclaim their lost glory among Africa’s football family.

“None of African team is a small team anymore, the truth is there is no small team anywhere in the continent at the moment. I don’t know much about the strengths of clubs from Burkina Faso but the fact that their senior national team did very well at the last Africa Cup of Nation in South Africa showed that their club sides must be good too.

“Things have not been too rosy for Nigerian clubs in the continent in the recent past – neither in the CAF Champions League nor the CAF Confederation Cup. So not only Warri Wolves but other Nigerian representatives like Kano Pilllars, Enyimba and Dolphins owe it to Nigerians to excel in their respective engagements.

“Excellent performances will help the clubs to reclaim their lost glories in the football fraternity. It’s not befitting of Nigerian clubs that none were considered worthy for exemption in the preliminary round of either the CAF Champions League or the Confederation Cup.

“The underlining word is adequate preparations which will be the key for excellent performances in any of the African clubs competitions. Early preparation is important. I know we’ve the men to deliver the goods, but we must equip ourselves adequately to be able to face the rest of Africa,” said the former Heartland playmaker to supersport.com.

Warri Wolves will be joined by Garden City side Dolphins to campaign in the CAF Confederation Cup competition while Nigerian champions Kano Pillars and Enyimba will contest the CAF Champions League.